How to Develop a Thesis Statement

Step 2: Consider Your Purpose and Role

Megan's Revised Thesis Statement

Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which a person loses all of their insulin-producing cells and thus must depend on insulin injections for survival. Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which a person is no longer able to efficiently use the insulin their body produces. Americans are so far unable to reduce their risk of getting Type 1 diabetes. However, every American should attempt to reduce their risk of getting Type 2 diabetes by keeping their weight down, eating healthy foods low in sugar, and getting daily exercise.

Megan's next step was to make sure her thesis statement was consistent with the purpose of her research writing project and with the role she adopted as a research writer.

When developing her research question, Megan had decided to adopt the role of reporter, but later decided to change to the role of advocate. She realized that the shift would allow her to urge her audience to take action.